The Newport Independent Schools and The Brighton Center, Northern Kentucky’s largest social services provider, have received a $490,000 federal grant to develop a community learning center.
The 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) grant from the U.S. Department of Education will support the creation of a community learning center that will provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for Newport High School students.
According to Paul Baker, the Newport Independent Schools grants coordinator, the five-year grant program helps students meet state and local standards in core academic subjects, offers enrichment activities that complement academic programs and provides literacy and other educational services to the families of participating students.
Weidinger
“We are excited to work with the Newport schools to provide innovative opportunities for our youth to succeed,” said Brighton Center President and CEO Tammy Weidinger.
Baker said the program has five primary goals:
- Increasing reading and math achievement of participating students.
- Improving attendance and behavior among participating students.
- Increasing students’ access to high-quality afterschool programming.
- Increasing students’ access college and career preparation activities.
- Increasing educational opportunities for parents and families that support academic achievement.
“Newport High School’s 21st CCLC programming will be offered afterschool, out-of-school time such as during Spring break and during June each of the five years of the program,” Baker said.
Planned activities and afterschool clubs offered through the program include:
- Reading and math intervention for struggling students
- STEM enrichment
- Expansion of the Teen Coalition/College & Career Readiness Program
- Cooking Club and Agriculture Club.
- Courses focused on teaching students high-end computer skills, such as coding, building circuit boards., etc.
- Skills-building workshops for parents of participating students focused on college preparation and career/job entry.
Newport’s project partners include the Brighton Center for Employment Training, Campbell County Cooperative Extensive Service, Nexigen Communications and Outdoor Adventure Clubs of Greater Cincinnati.
Newport Independent Schools
